What is the first step to take when developing an emergency response plan?

The first step in developing an emergency response plan is to conduct a risk assessment of potential emergencies. This process involves identifying and analyzing potential hazards and risks that could threaten the organization, its employees, and its operations. By understanding the specific risks the organization might face—such as natural disasters, chemical spills, or workplace violence—the next steps in creating an effective response plan can be appropriately tailored to address those specific scenarios.

Conducting a risk assessment ensures that the plan is based on reality rather than assumptions, allowing for a focused response strategy that is relevant to the actual threats the organization may encounter. Furthermore, this assessment helps prioritize which risks need immediate attention and resources, ultimately laying a solid foundation for the planning process.

The other options, while important in the overall emergency planning process, are not the initial steps. Gathering input from employees is valuable for gaining insights and addressing concerns, but it is more effective once the risks have been clearly identified. Testing the plan through mock drills and writing the final version of the response plan are subsequent actions that follow the initial identification of risks.